Intercollegiate MRCS Part A | Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

Overview

MRCS Part A is a written examination that tests the applied knowledge of basic sciences and of principles of surgery in general. It is held online at a Pearson VUE test centre.

This assessment is a key step for surgical trainees seeking to demonstrate their core surgical competence before progressing to MRCS Part B, and ultimately to full membership of the College.

The Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination is an intercollegiate examination run jointly with the other Colleges of Surgeons in the UK and Ireland.

Award of the diploma indicates that a candidate has enhanced their knowledge, understanding, experience and clinical competence well beyond primary qualification level.

Further information about MRCS Part A can be found on this page and on the ICBSE website.

Sit your exam with us

By choosing the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow for your MRCS exams, you can access many benefits.

Exam package

Digital learning materials
Video lectures
Guidance to help you feel exam ready

Outstanding exam environment

Choice of a Pearson VUE test centre that's convenient to you
Specific exam dates, to help you plan your time

Pathway to College membership

Successful candidates are eligible for College membership
Members can use the postnominal MRCS(Glasg)

Content

Follow these steps to apply for the MRCS Part A exam through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Create an account
– If you don't already have an account, register via the College's online portal.
Log in to apply
– Select your preferred exam date from the drop-down list above and click 'Apply now' to be taken to the online portal login page. Enter your email and password to log in.
Choose your examination diet
– Select the exam centre from the list. Exams are delivered online at Pearson VUE test centres - information on how to book a test centre will be provided once your application has been processed.
Submit your application
– Complete all required fields and upload any supporting documentation if requested.
Make payment
– Pay the exam fee securely online. You'll receive confirmation and further instructions by email.

To apply for the MRCS Part A examination, you must meet the following criteria:

Hold a primary medical qualification accepted by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) or the Medical Council in Ireland, or that is acceptable to the Colleges.

There is no requirement to complete any specific number of years in surgical training before applying.

The Part A examination is an online examination held at a Pearson VUE test centre.
The College may either cancel an examination centre if there are insufficient candidates or restrict numbers should this be necessary.
In the unlikely event that the College has to cancel an examination, the examination fee shall be reimbursed, but the College shall incur no further liability.
Fees are correct at the time of publication. The College may amend these fees prior to the closing date.
Important notice for Indian candidates regarding examination fees: Please be informed that an additional 18% tax will be applied to examination fees for candidates sitting the examinations in India. This tax is mandated by local Indian tax regulations and is not determined by the College.